Boxing champ Antony Upton will pay tribute to his friend Eamonn Magee at his funeral tomorrow from the front of the church.

And in September he will pay tribute again, this time in the ring and wearing the shorts Eamonn boxed in.

The former Holy Child fighter flew in from Manchester with his brother Sonny and their father Tony to support the Magee family as they prepare to bury 22-year-old Eamonn tomorrow.

Anto, 23, said: "I never thought I'd ever be in the situation. I've lost a brother, a best friend and I can' t believe it.

"Eamonn was the best person you could hope to meet in your life and his death has left a massive hole for all of us. All we can do at this stage is support each other.

"I've been asked to say a few words at the funeral tomorrow and I'll just have to do my best. His mum has given me one of Eamonn's bracelets to wear and I'll always treasure that. We will have Eamonn with us forever - but not in the way we ever imagained."

Eamonn was killed as he went outside to check for a pizza delivery last Saturday.

Sonny and Anto Upton at the spot where tragic Eamonn Magee was stabbed to death

His death has rocked the boxing community across Ireland and and the UK, and many have travelled to be in Belfast for his funeral tomorrow to support his father Eamon Snr, former WBU welterweight champion Eamonn Snr, mum Mary and sister Aine.

After meeting their today, Anto went with his brother Sonny to the spot where Eamonn was stabbed to death and said a prayer for him.

Unbeaten prospect Anto joined Ricky Hatton Promotions' roster and has already made a big impression in the light-welterweight division.

Ricky Hatton and protege Anto Upton

And he will use his position of eight fights and eight wins, to help keep Eamonn's memory alive. He told Belfast Live that he will also don the murdered boxer's shorts on September 12 during his next pro fight.

Anto said: "That's it now. I will wear them in September and then I'll have Eamonn's name put on them in tribute to him so wherever I fight, people will remember him.

"And when I win my world title, I'll dedicate it to Eamonn. There's nothing I can do to change this situation but I can, and will, always carry him in my heart and so will thousands of others."

Eamonn will be buried from St Joseph's Church, 23 Hannahstown Hill, Belfast on Friday morning after a private service at his home. The cortege is expected to leave the Magee home at 10.30am.